County employees honored for service

Seventeen St. Joseph County employees were recognized Tuesday for reaching milestone years of service.The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners recognized employees who had reached employment levels totaling 10, 15, 20 and 25 years.

In other business Tuesday, commissioners authorized the sheriff’s department to fill a correction’s position and a detective-sergeant post.

The moves fill vacancies by corrections officer Nicole Rowley, who has resigned, and Det.-Sgt Jim Hart, who is retiring at the end of the month.

Also Tuesday, commissioners renewed a contract agreement with Glendora Greene as an independent contractor.

Greene will continue to provide mental health consultation at the county jail. Greene’s services will cost the department $1,250 a month.

In a separate matter, commissioners agreed to develop what will be called the St. Joseph County Revolving Loan Fund program. The non-profit corporation is expected to provide loans for private sector economic-development initiatives.

Money in the Revolving Loan Fund came from a $1 million transfer commissioners authorized from the county’s Tax Payment Fund to the general fund.